Condoms not effective against HPV or herpes

“Viral STDs make up the modern “4-H club.” Herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis (B and C), and HIV are the most common STDs, causing pain, cancer, liver disease and AIDS, respectively.

Condoms significantly decrease transmission rates of the most life-threatening viruses, HIV and hep B and C.

Unfortunately, condoms do not do an adequate job of protecting against human papilloma or herpes simplex virus infections. Women diagnosed with HPV are often mystified and frustrated, having been “super careful,” or picky, in choosing intimate partners and faithfully using condoms for all intercourse.

But UCSF researchers have shown these viruses to be present on genital skin with no symptoms that might prompt diagnosis and treatment. That means HPV and HSV can be deposited on the condom’s outer surface from viral particles living on the scrotum, penile shaft not covered by the condom or vaginal/vulvar tissues.”

Interesting – because it’s been known a while that condoms are less effective in preventing spread of HPV than for bacterial STDs and HIV, and now we know why. The only things that can really prevent the transmission of these agents, in the absence of abstinence, is vaccination.